H.Res. 251

119 HRES 251 IH: Recognizing the longstanding friendship between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America.
 U.S. House of Representatives
 2025-03-25
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 IV  119th CONGRESS  1st Session  H. RES. 251  IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES   March 25, 2025   Mr. Schneider  (for himself and  Mr. Wilson of South Carolina ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the  Committee on Foreign Affairs    RESOLUTION
Recognizing the longstanding friendship between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America.
Whereas December 1, 2027, will mark the 250th anniversary of the Kingdom of Morocco becoming the first country to recognize the United States of America, a milestone in one of the longest standing diplomatic relationships in United States history;
Whereas, on December 1, 1777, Sultan Sidi Muhammad Ben Abdullah established relations with the United States, opening Moroccan ports to American merchants during the War for Independence;
Whereas, in December 1780, the Continental Congress sent its first diplomatic correspondence to the Kingdom of Morocco, expressing a desire for peace and friendship;
Whereas, on July 18, 1787, the United States ratified the Treaty of Peace and Friendship, also known as the Treaty of Marrakech, establishing formal diplomatic and commercial relations between the United States and the Kingdom of Morocco;
Whereas the Treaty of Peace and Friendship remains the longest unbroken diplomatic relationship in United States history;
Whereas the Kingdom of Morocco gifted the Tangier American Legation to the United States in 1821, making it the first American diplomatic property abroad and a lasting symbol of United States-Morocco friendship;
Whereas Morocco has historically fostered religious coexistence, including the protection of Jewish communities, and has engaged in interfaith dialogue and Holocaust education;
Whereas Moroccan-American communities contribute to the cultural diversity of the United States and maintain deep connections to their heritage;
Whereas the United States and Morocco have built a multifaceted partnership based on shared strategic, economic, and cultural interests;
Whereas Morocco remains the only African country with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States, and since the FTA’s enactment in 2006, bilateral agricultural trade has expanded;
Whereas the United States and Morocco cooperate closely on regional security, counterterrorism efforts, and military coordination, including participation in joint military exercises such as African Lion;
Whereas Morocco collaborates with the United States in nuclear nonproliferation, countering illicit arms trafficking, and enhancing regional security initiatives;
Whereas Morocco is a signatory to the Abraham Accords and continues to engage in diplomatic initiatives to promote regional stability;
Whereas the United States and Morocco engage in cultural, educational, and humanitarian cooperation, including Peace Corps programs, disaster management training, and joint health initiatives; and
Whereas Morocco participates in global humanitarian efforts, including public health initiatives and crisis response collaborations: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives—
(1)
recognizes the approaching 250th anniversary of the Kingdom of Morocco’s recognition of the United States and the enduring friendship between the two nations;
(2)
acknowledges Morocco’s history of religious coexistence and the contributions of Moroccan-American communities to United States society;
(3)
affirms the importance of the United States-Morocco relationship in promoting mutual economic and security interests;
(4)
commends Morocco’s engagement in regional diplomacy, including its participation in the Abraham Accords;
(5)
encourages continued United States-Morocco cooperation in trade, security, digital transformation, and humanitarian efforts, recognizing both shared opportunities and challenges in the partnership; and
(6)
supports efforts to commemorate this milestone in the lead-up to 2027, highlighting the historical and strategic importance of the United States-Morocco alliance.